Sean Brady made a significant statement by overpowering former champion Leon Edwards and submitting him with a guillotine choke to win the main event at UFC London.
Brady, stepping in on short notice after Jack Della Maddalena was removed from the card for a title shot against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, appeared to be the more prepared fighter. He consistently took Edwards to the ground and controlled him with superior grappling.
After three rounds of dominance, Brady secured a guillotine choke from the top position, a signature submission of his. Edwards was unable to escape, and tapped out at 1:39 of the fourth round. This victory marked the biggest win of Brady`s career and the first time Edwards has ever been finished.
“It feels amazing,” Brady said about his victory. “Honestly, I accepted this fight right after leaving the hospital with my wife and our newborn baby. I knew I was capable of this. I know I can do this against anyone in this division. I proved it against a recent champion. I believe I belong in the top three, or even number one.”
At the beginning of the fight, Edwards showed confidence in the clinch, using short strikes against Brady. However, Brady`s persistent pressure eventually led to a takedown late in the first round, though it was too late to launch a significant attack.
Once Brady achieved that initial takedown, the fight shifted in his favor.
At the start of the second round, Brady quickly moved across the cage and immediately took Edwards down again. From there, Brady improved his position, taking Edwards` back and landing punches, possibly to set up submission attempts.
A scramble resulted in Brady gaining side control and attempting a kimura. Although Edwards defended well, the round concluded with Brady delivering ground and pound.
When the fight was on their feet, Edwards attempted to use his striking. However, in the third round, an unsuccessful takedown attempt by Edwards backfired. Brady secured a front headlock and proceeded to control Edwards on the ground with forceful punches and dominant grappling.
Brady continued to punish Edwards on the ground, and the former champion couldn`t escape as time passed. Brady`s continued dominance allowed him to lock in the guillotine choke and secure the submission from top position.
As the pressure intensified, Edwards was unable to break free and tapped out, giving Brady the victory and moving him closer to a title opportunity.
“I said all week I wasn’t thinking about it, but it’s pretty cool knowing I’ll be ranked No. 1 on Monday or Tuesday,” Brady stated. “But yeah, whatever Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] want, these guys gave me an amazing opportunity here.
“I love all the UK fans, sorry for doing that to your guy, nothing but respect for you guys. Whatever Hunter and Dana want next, we’ll do it, but I’m going home for a couple of weeks to relax with my wife and newborn.”
Brady`s future is uncertain, especially considering his previous loss to Muhammad. However, defeating a former champion like Edwards significantly strengthens his position in the division. Whether he receives a title shot likely depends on the timing of Muhammad`s fight with Della Maddalena in May and the presence of Shavkat Rakhmonov as another top contender.
